HMV

Turning grey and grizzled, waiting for something to happen, Spot is a senior citizen now.

and spot the cow

you looking for trouble

Feisty lamb (one of last years unless they are growing even faster) harassing timid dogs. And below the native wild daffodil is beginning to make an appearance.

sheep talk

"Am I really beautiful?"

udder joy

So that's what milk is really for.

more Cornish walls and hedges

The walls can become covered in moss and lichens, another effect of our our cold damp climate

old walls

we are surrounded by old cornish hedges and walls (they are much the same sort of structure). Hedge trees grow on top and in these walls and reach enormous sizes given the precarious nature of their base.

taking a break

This brimstone settled for long enough to be photographed. Despite the brilliant yellow appearance of the male when on the wing they look quite greenish when the wings are up.

Taking a breather (it wasn't that hot but motherhood is hard work)

the black paw gang

the black paw gang hanging out together and looking for trouble. Meanwhile the leaves are almost out.

old grey head

Jackdaws characteristically have an ash grey nape; the nape of this bird is much paler than usual and makes it (him?) look very distinctive. Meanwhile down in the lane the prisoners are planning the great escape.

Spot saw them safely back (without chasing them, I must add, given recent events).

here we go again

the opening chords of this year's natural symphony

in conversation

passing the time of day, no hurry.

a Spot of trespassing

actually, June, the owner of this cottage called Greenscombe in the wood, gave us permission to go into her meadow which runs beside the Tamar. Not far from here today we saw a kingfisher, and a greater spotted woodpecker, to add to the general pleasure of being out and about. Spot and I are due to give a talk to the local group of WI's next month, and with any luck June will be in the audience and we will use this picture as an example of quintessential rural England.

a band of happy followers

done with the vet, off on our hols to pastures new

tableau des agneaux

finding a cool place on a hot day

the thrill of the chase, and at the winning post

a day at the races

some very small jockeys (this brave little lass came second in the pony race) and their larger connections.

in the paddock with the trainer

a day at the races

we spent yesterday at the South Tetcott Hunt point to point (see link) Steeplechase at Upcott Cross, Halwill Junction with the owner of two of the horses running. It is hard to describe the ambience of these meetings but to me it feels like the essence of rural England, circa 1955, something past, something lost. The still strong rural tribe was out in force and in uniform... 'dedicated follower(s) of fashion'.

Spring in the air

 

a bit of joie de vivre for the snow and cyclone bound

minding the sheep

whatever the weather the sheep need tending

the quick and the not so quick